The Holdovers - REVIEW: A Journey Through Time Capsule Cinema

“Life is like a hen house ladder. Shitty and short.”

Welcome to another engaging episode of "We Watch It!" where hosts Cody Aaron Hanify, Shannon Mahaffey, and J.T. Hazzard delve into the cinematic realm, this time exploring the heartfelt and poignant narrative of "The Holdovers."

In this episode, the trio unravels the layers of this touching story set against the backdrop of a New England prep school during a Christmas break. A seasoned and gruff instructor finds himself unexpectedly tethered to the campus, entrusted with the care of a handful of students who have nowhere else to spend the holiday season. As these disparate lives collide, an unlikely bond forms between the instructor and a troubled yet brilliant student, leading to an emotional journey of connection and understanding.

Adding depth to the narrative is the poignant relationship between the instructor and the school's head cook, who grapples with the recent loss of her son in Vietnam. The convergence of these characters in a time of personal turmoil weaves a tapestry of empathy, resilience, and unexpected connections.

Throughout the episode, Cody, Shannon, and J.T. dissect the film's nuanced performances, exploring the chemistry between the characters and the emotional resonance of their individual arcs. They delve into the cheeky yet sharply written script that brings a warmth akin to a crackling fire in the fireplace, and the masterful cinematography that captures the essence of this lived-in world, transporting viewers into the heart of the story.

As always, the "We Watch It!" crew encourages you to engage with them at wewatchitpodcast.com. Visit their website to submit your favorite movie requests for review, access all their episodes, and witness Shannon's intriguing progress with her list.

Join the discussion as "We Watch It!" explores the touching narrative of "The Holdovers," uncovering its cinematic brilliance, profound storytelling, and the emotional depth that lingers long after the credits roll.

- THE HOLDOVERS -

DIRECTED BY

Alexander Payne

WRITTEN BY

David Hemingson

STARRING

Paul Giamatti

Dominic Sessa

Da'Vine Joy Randolph

Carrie Preston

Brady Hepner

Ian Dolley

Jim Kaplan

Michael Provost

Andrew Garman

Naheem Garcia